Alvin Richard Underhill

UNDERHILL, Alvin R. Lt. Comm., RCN (Ret'd) — The place in our hearts for a very special man with a twinkle in his dancing blue eyes is now empty as Alvin Richard Underhill, Lt. Comm. (Ret'd) beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, died in Camp Hill Veterans' Memorial Building, QEII, on Sunday, June 10, 2012. Born in 1921 in Blackville, Al was the adventurous young man who enlisted in the Royal Canadian Navy in 1941. His most remarkable naval experience was when he served on the Canadian destroyer, HMCS Ottawa. On Al's 13th crossing of the Atlantic, while escorting the eastbound convoy on September 13, 1942, his ship was hit by a German torpedo 500 miles off the coast of Newfoundland. Al was one of the lucky few as 114 died and only 60 survived. Al hung on to a Carley float for 13 hours before being rescued. It is little wonder that Al always considered No. 13 his lucky number. Al had a proud career in the Navy, serving on RCN ships on the East and West coasts and also serving at the former naval headquarters in Ottawa. Upon his retirement, Al was head of command security at Maritime Command Headquarters. After retiring from the Navy, Al went on to be the Administrator of Family Court, Dartmouth. In this position he was recognized for his acumen, leadership, organizational skills and his ability to work with the judiciary and police to ensure fairness and justice for all who came through the door. Al was an outdoorsman throughout his life. Whether it was hunting pheasants with his dog, Duchess, or fishing for salmon on the Miramichi or, better yet, getting in a round of golf at Oakfield Golf and Country Club or the many courses of Florida, Al revelled in the joy of being one with nature. After retirement, Al was able to pursue his passion for golf with greater frequency, even getting a hole-in-one in his 70's! Al shared his love of the game with his children and grandchildren. Grampie got the grandkids up and going several times a week to show them how it's done while showing his love and humour to them all the way. Al was a church Elder, having belonged to Edgewood United for more than 50 years. As an elder, there was no job too big or too small for Al to take on and complete. Al was a member of the Fairview Daylight Masonic Lodge, having achieved the high standing of 4th degree. He was given special recognition by his Lodge brothers as an honorary lifetime member for his achievement and work in leadership and mentoring other men in their faith and in the stewardship of their religion. Al loved his many winters spent in Florida but he loved his Minnie so much more! She was the love of his life from the time they laid eyes on each other to when he took her as his bride 68 years ago. They were a match made in Heaven; they married in a snowstorm during a brief leave from the war and they made a joyful and welcoming home and life together. Together they enjoyed their family, travel, their church, their friends and a good laugh. Al is survived by his wife, Minnie and his children, Sandra Cook of Halifax; her children, Jeff Cook (wife Brooke and children, Blake and Farrah of Victoria, B.C.) and Karen Cook-Goff (husband Bruce) of Halifax; daughter, Colleen and her husband, Dr. John Underwood and their children, Scott (wife Tracy and children, Alex and Leah) of Saint John, N.B. and Lisa Mestdagh (husband Del and children Lahna and William); son, Rick Underhill (wife Theresa Marie and their daughter, Kathleen). Al is also survived by his brother, Boyd, Blackville, N.B. and sister, Olive, California. The family wishes to give special thanks to the staff of 6W Camp Hill who were truly wonderful. Funeral service will be held in Edgewood United Church, Halifax on Thursday, June 14 at 2 p.m. Reception to follow. Family flowers only. Donations in memory of Al may be made to Edgewood Oxford United Church Fund, 3055 Connaught Ave., Halifax, NS B3L 3A7. Condolences may be sent by visiting: www.jasnowfuneralhome.com.